01 / FEEDINGFrequent meals protect limited energy reserves
A very small puppy may need food every 2½–3 hours or on another puppy-specific schedule. The family must be prepared to follow the written feeding plan, including overnight care when required.
02 / WARMTHTemperature stability matters
Small puppies can chill quickly. The home must provide a warm, draft-free resting area while still allowing the puppy to move away from supplemental warmth.
03 / INJURY PREVENTIONProtect a fragile body from ordinary household accidents
No unsupervised access to high furniture, open stairs, rough play, children who cannot safely handle a tiny puppy, or larger animals that could accidentally injure the puppy.
04 / GO-HOMEExtra time is a safety measure, not a delay
If the puppy is not independently eating and physically stable enough for the stress of transition, go-home is postponed.
BEFORE PLACEMENTWe screen the home for tiny-puppy readiness.
Very small puppy placement may require a tighter feeding schedule, reliable adult supervision, rapid access to emergency veterinary care, and the ability to separate the puppy safely from children or larger pets.
AFTER PLACEMENTKeep the feeding and veterinary plan close at hand.
Share the puppy's records and feeding instructions with your veterinarian at the first visit. If appetite, energy, temperature, or behavior changes suddenly, contact veterinary care promptly.